Debt Relief Order – (DRO)
Debt Relief Order (DRO) Help | Eligibility, Advice & How It Works

Debt Relief Order (DRO) Help

A Debt Relief Order is designed for people with low income and few assets. Learn how a DRO works and see if you’re eligible.

  • Check DRO eligibility quickly
  • Guidance on limits, criteria & fees
  • Qualifying debts could be written off after 12 months*
Check DRO Eligibility

Prefer to read first? See how a Debt Relief Order works or view the 3 simple steps ↓

Advisor offering guidance on a Debt Relief Order application
Person discussing DRO eligibility on the phone

*Eligibility criteria apply, including debt and asset limits. A Debt Relief Order will affect your credit rating and may not be suitable in all circumstances.
Next: See how a Debt Relief Order works or check if you qualify for DRO help.

  • Write off unaffordable debt
  • Lower your debt repayments
  • Stop interest & charges soaring
Money Helper

To find out more about managing your money and getting free advice, visit Money Helper, an independent service set up to help people manage their money – or see if you qualify for Debt Relief Order help.

Debts commonly included in a
Debt Relief Order (DRO)

A Debt Relief Order is designed for qualifying unsecured debts. If you meet the DRO criteria, these debt types can usually be included—helping to freeze interest and write off what you can’t afford.

Not sure if your debts qualify? See how a DRO works or check if you qualify for DRO help.

Credit Cards
Store Cards
Catalogues
Overdrafts
Payday Loans
Utility Arrears
Council Tax Arrears
Rent Arrears
Stop Bailiff – See if you qualify for DRO help

Complete the questions below and see if you qualify for DRO help.

Safe, secure, confidential

Prefer to read about DROs first? See how a DRO works or browse the DRO FAQs.

Great news 🎉 it looks like we can help!

We just need a few more details to check your DRO options.

Step 1 of 5

What is your total debt amount?

Knowing your total unsecured debt helps us check if you meet the DRO limits and which other debt solutions may be suitable for you. You can also see which debts can usually go into a DRO or read how a DRO works.

How a Debt Relief Order (DRO)
works for you

A Debt Relief Order (DRO) is a formal insolvency solution for people with low income, little or no assets, and qualifying unsecured debts. Once approved, it usually lasts for a set period (often 12 months) where your eligible debts are frozen and enforcement is paused. If your situation hasn’t improved by the end of the DRO, those qualifying debts are then written off.

Debt Relief Order guidance illustration

What happens during a DRO

If a DRO is suitable, an approved adviser helps you complete the application, check you meet the legal criteria and debt limits, and submit everything to the Official Receiver. Creditors covered by the DRO should then stop most collection and enforcement while it’s in place. You’re expected to report any big changes in income or assets, but if things stay the same or get worse, your included debts are wiped at the end of the DRO period.

If you don’t meet the DRO criteria, there will be other options available to you. You can check common DRO debt types and read the DRO FAQs for more detail.

Qualifying debts £50,000 or less
Surplus income £75 or less / month
Assets under £2,000 (car up to £4,000)
Not a homeowner & live in E/W or NI

Check if a Debt Relief Order is right for you

Considering a Debt Relief Order (DRO)? A DRO can write off qualifying debts after 12 months if your situation doesn’t improve. We can make an initial assessment to confirm whether you meet the criteria (debt under the set limit, low surplus income and minimal assets) and explain the pros and cons — the £90 application fee has been scrapped.
Prefer to read first? See how a DRO works ↓

Check DRO eligibility

Considering a Debt Relief Order (DRO)? Speak to an approved adviser first. A DRO can write off qualifying debts after 12 months if your situation doesn’t improve. We’ll confirm if you meet the criteria (debts ≤ £50,000, surplus income ≤ £75, low assets) and explain the steps — the £90 fee has been removed.

Check DRO eligibility

8 Ways a Debt Relief Order (DRO) Can Help You

A Debt Relief Order (DRO) is a formal debt solution for people with low disposable income and few assets. If you qualify, it can pause creditor action for 12 months and then write off qualifying debts if your situation hasn’t improved. (England, Wales & Northern Ireland only.)

1
No application fee in England & Wales — the previous £90 fee has been removed
2
12-month breathing space: creditors included in the DRO must stop enforcement
3
Most qualifying unsecured debts can be written off after 12 months
4
Interest and charges on included debts are frozen during the DRO period
5
Helps stop most creditor contact and bailiff action on debts covered by the DRO
6
You keep essential items — asset limits apply, and a car up to £4,000 can usually be exempt
7
Designed for low surplus income (typically £75 or less per month after essentials)
8
Covers total qualifying debts up to £50,000 (current eligibility cap)

Ready to see if a DRO is an option? See how a DRO works or check if you qualify for help.

Debt Relief Order (DRO): 3 Simple Steps

A Debt Relief Order is designed for people with low income who do not own a property, have low assets and qualifying unsecured debts. We’ll check if you meet the criteria and connect you with an approved DRO adviser so you can pause creditor action and work towards a fresh start.

Already know a DRO might be right for you? Go straight to the qualifying questions.

Step 1
Check if you meet the DRO criteria

Answer a few quick questions about your debts, income and assets. We’ll check the current limits (debt up to £50,000, surplus income, and asset thresholds) to see if a DRO could be suitable.

Check DRO eligibility
Step 2
Speak to an approved DRO adviser

A qualified DRO intermediary talks through the pros and cons, helps gather documents, and prepares your application to the Insolvency Service so everything is completed correctly.

Book a DRO call
Step 3
Application submitted & protection starts

Once your DRO is approved, included debts are frozen for 12 months. If your situation doesn’t improve during that period, those qualifying debts can then be written off, giving you a fresh start.

Start your DRO journey

Debt Relief Order (DRO)

Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to take the next step? Check if you qualify for a DRO ↓

1 What is a Debt Relief Order (DRO)?
A DRO is a formal, government-approved solution for people with low income, few assets and unmanageable unsecured debts. It usually lasts 12 months. During that time, payments, interest and most enforcement on included debts are frozen. If your situation hasn’t improved at the end, those qualifying debts can be written off.
2 Who can apply for a DRO?
You may qualify if you:

• Have total qualifying debts of £50,000 or less
• Have little or no spare income each month (typically £75 or less)
• Have limited assets (usually under £2,000, with a car worth up to £4,000 allowed)
• Are not a homeowner
• Live in, or have recently lived or worked in, England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
3 How do I apply for a DRO?
You can’t apply on your own. DROs must be submitted by an approved debt adviser (also called an intermediary). We’ll run through some quick questions, then connect you to an authorised adviser who completes and submits your application to the Insolvency Service if a DRO is suitable.
4 Does a DRO cost anything?
No. The previous £90 application fee in England and Wales has been scrapped. There’s no fee to enter a DRO.
5 What debts can be included in a DRO?
Most unsecured debts can usually be included, such as:

• Credit cards, overdrafts and personal loans
• Store cards and catalogues
• Council tax arrears and utility arrears
• Some benefit overpayments and rent arrears (if you’ve moved)

Your adviser will go through each debt and confirm what can be listed in your DRO.
6 What debts can’t be included in a DRO?
You’ll still be responsible for certain debts, including:

• Student loans
• Court fines and criminal penalties
• Child maintenance or CSA arrears
• Social Fund loans
• Debts secured against property or a vehicle

Your adviser will explain which debts must continue to be paid.
7 How long does a DRO last and what happens at the end?
A DRO usually runs for 12 months (the “moratorium period”). During this time, you don’t make payments towards the listed debts, and creditors shouldn’t chase you. If your situation hasn’t improved by the end, the debts included in the DRO are written off and you are no longer liable for them.
8 Will I lose my home, car or belongings in a DRO?
DROs are designed for people who don’t own a home and have few assets. Your adviser will go through your assets and explain what is and isn’t allowed before applying.
9 How will a DRO affect my credit score and future borrowing?
DROs are designed for people who don’t own a home and have few assets. Your adviser will go through your assets and explain what is and isn’t allowed before applying.
10 Is a DRO right for me and what are the alternatives?
A DRO can be a powerful fresh start if you have low income, low assets and debts within the limit — but it isn’t right for everyone. We can help you understand the pros, cons and long-term impact before deciding. Alternatives could be IVA, Debt Management Plan or Bankruptcy.

Want to see if you qualify? Answer a few quick questions online ↓